Neither of them needed sedating but were accompanied by a vet on the 12-hour flight.

The male and female panda were greeted at the airport by bagpipe players, a host of dignitaries and a large media presence as they touched down.

Yang Guang arrives at Edinburgh Airport (Picture: Getty)

The Scottish government has been negotiating the loan of the endangered animals from China for the past five years, and Edinburgh Zoo will now pay more than £600,000 a year for the privilege of having them.

It is hoped the animals’ presence will bring more visitors to Edinburgh zoo and tourism in the country in general.

Any cubs produced by the pair will also be owned by the Chinese government under the agreement.

An Edinburgh Zoo spokeswoman said: ‘The zoo is offering a unique opportunity to see these charming animals, helping to encourage increased visitor numbers to Edinburgh and Scotland.’